Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is situated in the lower Himalayas, located at {{coor d|27.2|N|88.4|E|}}. Known for its clean surroundings and temperate climate, this hill station of about fifty thousand people is the centre of Sikkim's tourist industry.

Transport

The taxis are the most widely available public transport within Gangtok. Most of Gangtok's residents stay within a few kilometres of the town centre and many have their own vehicles. Those residing some distance away generally make use of share-jeeps, a kind of public taxis. It is the only capital city in India to have a cable car, which was initially constructed for the elected MLA's to reach the state Assembly. It is now open to the public, though the distance covered is less than a kilometre (0.6 miles).

Related Topics:
Taxi - Public transport - Cable car - MLA's

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Gangtok is connected to the rest of India by an all-weather metalled highway, NH-31A, which links Gangtok to Siliguri, located 114 km (71 miles) away in the neighbouring state of West Bengal. The highway also provides a link to the neighbouring hill station towns of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, which are also the nearest urban areas. A regular jeep, van, and bus service links the towns to Gangtok and is the only route to the city from the rest of India.

Related Topics:
Siliguri - West Bengal - Darjeeling - Kalimpong

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The nearest railhead connected to the rest of India is the station of New Jalpaiguri, a suburb of Siliguri, situated 124 km (77 miles) away from Gangtok. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 16 km (10 miles) from Siliguri. Although Gangtok does not have an airport, it is linked to Bagdogra airport, near Siliguri, via a regular helicopter service, the Sikkim Helicopter Service. A new airport, which would be the state's first, is slated to be opened by mid-2005.

Related Topics:
New Jalpaiguri - Airport - Bagdogra Airport - Helicopter - 2005

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